Marcus Aurelius
The Stoic Emperor
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Narrated by:
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Donald J. Robertson
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Written by:
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Donald J. Robertson
About this listen
Experience the world of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the tremendous challenges he faced and overcame with the help of Stoic philosophy
This novel biography brings Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) to life for a new generation by exploring the emperor’s fascinating psychological journey. Donald J. Robertson examines Marcus’s relationships with key figures in his life, such as his mother, Domitia Lucilla, and the emperor Hadrian, as well as his Stoic tutors. He draws extensively on Marcus’s own Meditations and correspondence, and he examines the emperor’s actions as detailed in the Augustan History and other ancient texts.
Marcus Aurelius struggled to reconcile his philosophy and moral values with the political pressures he faced as emperor at the height of Roman power. Robertson examines Marcus’s attitude toward slavery and the moral dilemma posed by capturing enemies in warfare; his attitude toward women; the role of Stoicism in shaping his response to the threat of civil war; the treatment of Christians under his rule; and the naming of his notorious son Commodus as his successor.
Throughout, the Meditations is used to shed light on the mind of the emperor—his character, values, and motives—as Robertson skillfully weaves together Marcus’s inner journey as a philosopher with the outer events of his life as a Roman emperor.
©2024 Donald J. Robertson (P)2024 Yale University PressYou may also enjoy...
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What listeners say about Marcus Aurelius
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- Book Worm 73
- 2024-12-30
A great history of a great man
If you enjoy the philosophy of Meditations, you will enjoy the brief story of the life of Marcus Aurelius.
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- Mitchell Medak
- 2024-02-15
Another classic from Donald Robertson
Much like “How to think like a Roman Emperor” I will be re-reading this annually.
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- Davis
- 2025-01-20
should have choosen a different narrator.
the narration of this book really puts you to sleep. it was hard to stay concentrated and made it more boring then it should have been
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